This learning module uses media for gathering information, creating representations of new understandings, and sharing that learning with others. Through the use of technology and collaboration with peers, students will learn about several human body systems (skeletal, muscular, nervous, digestive, respiratory, circulatory) and their interaction within the human body. Using digital media, students have the opportunity to research one of the human body systems, gather information about the parts and functioning of the system, and create a multi media presentation that demonstrates their understanding of the new learning.

As a fourth grade teacher, I have taught about the human body systems for the last 9 years. My school district has specific science standards that require learning about the human body systems and understanding and applying research techniques. The lessons I have taught involve identifying the parts of each system, studying how the parts work together to support body functioning, and gathering and presenting information to share new understandings with classmates. Teaching science is always fun for me and I am glad that I am able to incorporate this science topic into a reading and writing nonfiction unit. Science and social studies have been pushed to the back with such an emphasis on literacy and math in most school districts. Most of the instructional day is devoted to literacy with the result that other "less essential" subjects are all but ignored (El-Hindi, 2003). An effective way to include science standards and give the subject the emphasis it deserves, is to incorporate these topics into a literacy unit. Students in my classroom engage with nonfiction texts about the human body systems and a lot of time is dedicated to understanding how to read nonfiction texts (before and during the unit). Students also engage in writing about the topic and creating a project that shows their learning and brings together science and literacy skills.

Each year the teaching of this unit changes as I try to incorporate more meaningful technology components each time. To transform previous teaching for this learning module I have changed the final product of the unit of study. In previous years students created a physical informational book. This learning module instead has students creating a multi media format of their choice and engaging in online discussion with classmates. The updates within this learning module can be completed digitally and would not necessarily require presence in the classroom.

The assessment within this learning module is based on the idea that students do not need to take a test in order to demonstrate understanding. Instead, learners can. create an artifact that shows what knowledge they have gained and how they can apply it (Cope & Kalantzis, 2010). Students use their experiences, engagement with media elements, and their discussions with classmates to make connections and draw conclusions about the current learning. Learning is demonstrated through creation rather than rote memorization.

References:

Cope, B. & Kalantzis, M. (2010). The teacher as designer: Pedagogy in the new media age. E-Learning and Digital Media, 7(3).

El-Hindi, A. (2003). Integrating literacy and science in the classroom: From ecomysteries to readers theater. The Reading Teacher, 56(6).

Intended Learning Outcomes

Student

By engaging with this learning module you will:

-recognize the importance of the following human body systems (skeletal, muscular, nervous, digestive, respiratory, circulatory)

-learn the important parts of each system and how they work together to keep our bodies functioning

-understand how to keep each system healthy

-make connections between the functionings of the different systems and understand how they corrdinate

-create a multi media project that explains and discusses one of the human body systems

Teacher

Duration: six 45-minute class periods (plus extra class periods for project creation and presentation)

Materials:

*books/artcles about the following human body systems: skeletal, muscular, nervous, digestive, respiratory, circulatory

Students will:

-recognize the importance of the following human body systems (skeletal, muscular, nervous, digestive, respiratory, circulatory)

-learn the important parts of each system and how they work together to keep our bodies functioning

-understand how to keep each system healthy

-make connections between the functionings of the different systems and understand how they corrdinate

-create a multi media project that explains and discusses one of the human body systems

Target Learners: 4th graders who have had exposure to researching and note-taking methods, as well as the basics of creating a bibliography

Common Core State Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.1
Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.2
Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it is supported by key details; summarize the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.3
Explain events, procedures, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text, including what happened and why, based on specific information in the text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.5
Describe the overall structure (e.g., chronology, comparison, cause/effect, problem/solution) of events, ideas, concepts, or information in a text or part of a text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.7
Interpret information presented visually, orally, or quantitatively (e.g., in charts, graphs, diagrams, time lines, animations, or interactive elements on Web pages) and explain how the information contributes to an understanding of the text in which it appears.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.8
Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.9
Integrate information from two texts on the same topic in order to write or speak about the subject knowledgeably.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2.A
Introduce a topic clearly and group related information in paragraphs and sections; include formatting (e.g., headings), illustrations, and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2.B
Develop the topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples related to the topic.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2.C
Link ideas within categories of information using words and phrases (e.g., another, for example, also, because).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2.D
Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2.E
Provide a concluding statement or section related to the information or explanation presented.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.4
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific expectations for writing types are defined in standards 1-3 above.)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.5
With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing. (Editing for conventions should demonstrate command of Language standards 1-3 up to and including grade 4 here.)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.6
With some guidance and support from adults, use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of one page in a single sitting.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.7
Conduct short research projects that build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.8
Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print and digital sources; take notes and categorize information, and provide a list of sources.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.9
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.4
Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount an experience in an organized manner, using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main ideas or themes; speak clearly at an understandable pace.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.5
Add audio recordings and visual displays to presentations when appropriate to enhance the development of main ideas or themes.

Update 1: Skeletal System

Students - Skeletal System

Student learning outcomes:

-You will learn the purpose and the importance of the skeletal system.

-You will know ways to keep your bones healthy.

Introduction:

During this unit of study we will investigate six of the systems that help our bodies function: the skeletal system (the bones), muscular system (the muscles), nervous system (the brain), digestive system (the teeth and stomach), respiratory system (lungs), and the circulatory system (the heart and blood vessels). Keep in mind that eventually you will be choosing one of the human body systems we learn about and creating an informational project that shares your new knowledge with others.

Today we will start with the skeletal system, the system in our bodies that supports us and helps us move. Your bones are the framework of your body; without them you would be lump that could not stand up or move!

1. Watch this video that tells all about the bones in the human body. Be sure to jot notes in your science notebook.

Media embedded July 13, 2020

Media embedded July 15, 2020

(KidsHealth, 2020)

2. Read or listen to the article that follows the video. This will give you even more information about how the skeletal system works, including a slideshow about what the bones are made of and details about specific bones in the body. Check out the "More on This Topic" box in the upper right corner of the page to find more videos and information related to the skeleton.

Update:

With a partner, create a Popplet. This app allows you to make an idea web that shows the important concepts related to a certain topic. Place "Skeletal System" in the center bubble. Then connect other bubbles to it with words, phrases, ideas, and images that are related to the skeletal system. You might include things like information about specific bones, what bones are made of, how the bones work together with muscles, or what the skeletal system does for us. Post the completed Popplet to the community and comment on posts from at least two other classmates.

**Remember that eventually you will be choosing one of the human body systems to study further in order to create an informational project. As you learn about today's system, think about whether or not you might want to investigate this system for your project. Be sure to take plenty of notes to prepare for your research.**

Teacher - Skeletal System

Timeline: one 45-minute class period

Teacher Directions:

1. Gather students at the carpet area.

2. Ask students what they know about the bones in our body. Why are they important?

3. Read "Skeletal System" by Simon Rose, stopping throughout the book to check for understanding.

4. Instruct students to get their iPads in order to access today's resources. Students will need to watch a video on the Kids' Health website, read or listen to the related articles, and work with a partner to create a Popplet about the skeletal system.

Update 2: Muscular System

Students - Muscular System

Student learning outcomes:

-You will learn the purpose and the importance of the muscular system.

-You will know ways to keep your muscles healthy and strong.

Today we will learn about the muscular system, the system in our bodies that works with our bones to help us move and do work. Your muscles attach to your bones to move different parts of the body; without them you would not be able to bend or lift things!

1. Watch this video that tells all about the muscles in the human body. Be sure to jot notes in your science notebook.

Media embedded July 13, 2020

Media embedded July 15, 2020

(KidsHealth, 2020)

2. Read or listen to the article that follows the video. This will give you even more information about how the muscular system works, including the different types of muscles and details about specific muscles in the body. Check out the "More on This Topic" box in the upper right corner of the page to find more videos and information related to the muscles.

Update:

Create a Padlet canvas about the muscualr system. In this app you can add images, websites, links, words, phrases, and more. Your canvas should describe for the viewer the importance of the muscular system and what its purpose it is. Post a link or screenshot of your canvas to the community. Be sure to comment on at least 2 classmates' work.

**Remember that eventually you will be choosing one of the human body systems to study further in order to create an informational project. As you learn about today's system, think about whether or not you might want to investigate this system for your project. Be sure to take plenty of notes to prepare for your research.**

Teacher - Muscular System

Timeline: one 45-minute class period

Teacher Directions:

1. Gather students at the carpet area.

2. Ask students what they know about the muscles in our body. Why are they important? What do they help us do?

3. Read "The Muscular System" by Simon Rose, stopping throughout the book to check for understanding.

4. Instruct students to get their iPads in order to access today's resources. Students will need to watch a video on the Kids' Health website, read or listen to the related articles, and create a Padlet canvas about the muscular system.

Update 3: Nervous System

Students - Nervous System

Student learning outcomes:

-You will learn the purpose and the importance of the nervous system.

-You will learn the parts of the nervous system and how they work together to keep the body functioning.

Today we will learn about the nervous system, the system in our bodies that controls everything that we do! Your brain is the main part of this system and it works like a computer that tells everything else in your body what to do. Without the nervous system you would not be able to do anything at all!

1. Watch this video that tells all about the parts of the nervous system. Be sure to jot notes in your science notebook.

Media embedded July 13, 2020

Media embedded July 15, 2020

(KidsHealth, 2020)

2. Read or listen to the article that follows the video. This will give you even more information about how the skeletal system works, including details about the parts of the brain and the nerves. Check out the "More on This Topic" box in the upper right corner of the page to find more videos and information related to the functioning of the nervous system.

Update:

Use the Seesaw app to create a video that uses a variety of images and your own explanations to describe the nervous system and its importance. You can draw pictures or find them on the internet or locate them in the books we have in the classroom for research. Make sure your video is at least 1 minute long and gives a lot of information to help the viewer learn about the parts of the nervous system. Post the video in our classroom Seesaw community. Comment on the work of at least 2 classmates.

**Remember that eventually you will be choosing one of the human body systems to study further in order to create an informational project. As you learn about today's system, think about whether or not you might want to investigate this system for your project. Be sure to take plenty of notes to prepare for your research.**

Teacher - Nervous System

Timeline: one 45-minute class period

Teacher Directions:

1. Gather students at the carpet area.

2. Ask students what they know about the brain. Why is it important? What does it help us do?

3. Read "The Nervous System" by Darlene R. Stille, stopping throughout the book to check for understanding.

4. Instruct students to get their iPads in order to access today's resources. Students will need to watch a video on the Kids' Health website, read or listen to the related articles, and create a Seesaw video about the nervous system.

Update 4: Digestive System

Students - Digestive System

Student learning outcomes:

-You will learn the purpose and the importance of the digestive system.

-You will learn the parts of the digestive system and how they work together to keep the body functioning.

Today we will learn about the digestive system, the system in our bodies that takes in and breaks down the food that we eat. We need the energy that food gives us in order to function; without the digestive system you would not be able to get energy to live!

1. Watch this video that tells all about the parts of the digestive system. Be sure to jot notes in your science notebook.

Media embedded July 13, 2020

Media embedded July 15, 2020

(KidsHealth, 2020)

2. Read or listen to the article that follows the video. This will give you even more information about how the digestive system works, including details about the parts of the system and ideas to help keep your system healthy. Check out the "More on This Topic" box in the upper right corner of the page to find more videos and information related to digestion.

Update:

In your BrainPop account, create a video that answers a question about the digestive system. Use the information you have gathered to explain the parts of the system and how thwy work together to function. Post your video to our community and be sure to comment on at the work of at least 2 classmates.

**Remember that eventually you will be choosing one of the human body systems to study further in order to create an informational project. As you learn about today's system, think about whether or not you might want to investigate this system for your project. Be sure to take plenty of notes to prepare for your research.**

Teacher - Digestive System

Timeline: one 45-minute class period

Teacher Directions:

1. Gather students at the carpet area.

2. Ask students what they know about how our body digests food. What is digestion? What parts of the body help us break down food?

3. Read "The Digestive System" by Darlene R. Stille, stopping throughout the book to check for understanding.

4. Instruct students to get their iPads in order to access today's resources. Students will need to watch a video on the Kids' Health website, read or listen to the related articles, and in BrainPop create a video about the digestive system.

Update 5: Respiratory System

Students - Respiratory System

Student learning outcomes:

-You will learn the purpose and the importance of the respiratory system.

-You will learn the parts of the respiratory system and how they work together to keep the body functioning.

-You will learn about healthy choices you can make to keep your lungs healthy.

Today we will learn about the respiratory system, the system in our bodies that helps us to breathe. The lungs are important organs that assist in taking in air; without them you would not be able to breathe!

1. Watch this video that tells all about the respiratory system. Be sure to jot notes in your science notebook.

Media embedded July 13, 2020

Media embedded July 15, 2020

(KidsHealth, 2020)

2. Read or listen to the article that follows the video. This will give you even more information about how the respiratpry system works, including details about the parts inside the lungs and how to keep them healthy. Check out the "More on This Topic" box in the upper right corner of the page to find more videos and information related to the respiratory system.

Update:

In the Comic Life app create a comic strip that describes the importance of the respiratory system. Use your imagination and creativity to make something that will share with the viewer an understanding of how the system functions. Post your strip to the community and respond to the work of at least 2 classmates.

**Remember that eventually you will be choosing one of the human body systems to study further in order to create an informational project. As you learn about today's system, think about whether or not you might want to investigate this system for your project. Be sure to take plenty of notes to prepare for your research.**

Teacher - Respiratory System

Timeline: one 45-minute class period

Teacher Directions:

1. Gather students at the carpet area.

2. Ask students what they know about the lungs. What do they do? Why are they so important? How can we keep them healthy?

3. Read "The Respiratory System" by Rebecca Pettiford, stopping throughout the book to check for understanding.

4. Instruct students to get their iPads in order to access today's resources. Students will need to watch a video on the Kids' Health website, read or listen to the related articles, and use the Comic Life app to create a comic strip showing the importance of the respiratory system and how it works.

Update 6: Circulatory System

Students - Circulatory System

Student learning outcomes:

-You will learn the purpose and the importance of the circulatory system.

-You will learn the parts of the nervous system and how they work together to keep the body functioning.

-You will know ways to keep your heart healthy.

Today we will learn about the skeletal system, the system in our bodies that moves the blood from the heart and through the rest of the body. Your body has blood vessels that move the blood around in order to keep oxygen moving to all of the parts of your body.

1. Watch this video that tells all about the circulatory system. Be sure to jot notes in your science notebook.

Media embedded July 13, 2020

Media embedded July 15, 2020

(KidsHealth, 2020)

2. Read or listen to the article that follows the video. This will give you even more information about how the circulatory system works, including details of the parts of the heart and how to keep your heart healthy. Check out the "More on This Topic" box in the upper right corner of the page to find more videos and information related to the circulatory system.

Update:

Using the Powtoon app, create a video about the circulatory system that emphasizes the parts of the system and how they work together in the body. Post your video to the community and comment at the work of at least 2 classmates.

FINALLY: Take the survey.

**Remember that eventually you will be choosing one of the human body systems to study further in order to create an informational project. As you learn about today's system, think about whether or not you might want to investigate this system for your project. Be sure to take plenty of notes to prepare for your research.**

Teacher: Circulatory System

Timeline: one 45-minute class period

Teacher Directions:

1. Gather students at the carpet area.

2. Ask students what they know about the heart and blood. What does the heart do? How can we keep it healthy?

3. Read "The Circulatory System" by Christine Taylor-Butler, stopping throughout the book to check for understanding.

4. Instruct students to get their iPads in order to access today's resources. Students will need to watch a video on the Kids' Health website, read or listen to the related articles, and use the Powtoon app to create a video showing the importance of the circulatory system and how it works.

Project Expectations & Rubric

Students - Project

Your challenge is to create an informative presentation on one of the human body systems we have investigated (skeletal, muscular, nervous, digestive, respiratory, or circulatory). Your presentation will center around the important parts of the system, how the parts work together. what purpose the system serves, and how to keep the system healthy.

The presentation must include:

• An explanation of your topic (what system it is)

• Why the system is important (how does it help us to live?)

• How the parts work together to keep the body functioning

•Advice to keep the system and specific parts healthy

*Any digital or written components that are important to your topic (i.e. drawings, sketches, images, videos, links, etc.)

Project Options:

*podcast

*multimedia slideshow

*video

*website

*propose another idea!

You will be asked to provide feedback on another group's presentation. Use the attached rubric to rate the work of your classmates. Feedback will also be provided to you by your classmates and by your teacher.

Rubric

Teacher - Project

To demonstrate their learning, students will create a multi media project that includes the following:

• An explanation of your topic (what system it is)

• Why the system is important (how does it help us to live?)

• How the parts work together to keep the body functioning

•Advice to keep the system and specific parts healthy

*Any digital or written components that are important to your topic (i.e. drawings, sketches, images, videos, links, etc.)

Project Options:

*podcast

*multimedia slideshow

*video

*website

*propose another idea!

Students will be asked to provide feedback to another group.

References

Cope, B. & Kalantzis, M. (2010). The teacher as designer: Pedagogy in the new media age. E-Learning and Digital Media, 7(3).

El-Hindi, A. (2003). Integrating literacy and science in the classroom: From ecomysteries to readers theater. The Reading Teacher, 56(6).

Media:

KidsHealth. (2020, July 10). How Your Bones and Skeleton Work (source). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i42FSNA9bAY

KidsHealth. (2020, July 10). How Your Muscles Work (source). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_F5UwtdPOc

KidsHealth. (2020, July 10). How Your Brain Works (source). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nH4MRvO-10

KidsHealth. (2020, July 10). How the Digestive System Works (source). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwrsL-lCZYo

KidsHealth. (2020, July 10). How Your Lungs Work (source). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0giiDDBJVQU

KidsHealth. (2020, July 10). How Your Heart Works (source). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eVG45_iF9U

Human Body Systems

Learning Module

Abstract

Keywords

Intended Learning Outcomes

Student

Teacher

Update 1: Skeletal System

Students - Skeletal System

Teacher - Skeletal System

Update 2: Muscular System

Students - Muscular System

Teacher - Muscular System

Update 3: Nervous System

Students - Nervous System

Teacher - Nervous System

Update 4: Digestive System

Students - Digestive System

Teacher - Digestive System

Update 5: Respiratory System

Students - Respiratory System

Teacher - Respiratory System

Update 6: Circulatory System

Students - Circulatory System

Teacher: Circulatory System

Project Expectations & Rubric

Students - Project

Teacher - Project

References